Pages

Friday, March 11, 2011

Kerry Scott

I am moving to the northern hemisphere for our next GeniMates profile. I met a beautiful lady at Rootstech called Kerry Scott who blogs at http://www.cluewagon.com/. Kerry had a calm aura about her and a very cute business card.

I was sorry, that in the busyness of Rootstech , I did not get to know Kerry more fully. I was therefore thrilled when she responded to my request for a profile for Genimates. Kerry did not submit a photo so I am posting one of her that I snapped at Rootstech.showing off her business card.

"Clue Wagon: Whether sharing a tale of hiring a genealogy psychic or her funny-but-true tip on finding "missing" marriages in Las Vegas, Kerry Scott keeps her readers laughing and learning. Clue Wagon is "an absolutely refreshing blog," writes one nominator. Another finds her "witty, funny, edgy, informative, educational and helpful, all rolled into one blog." Scott's a trip, and it's worth the trip to her site."

Date3 March 2011

NameKerry Scott

Hometown Minneapolis, Minnesota and San Diego, California (but I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin now)

Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Aspiring Professional

What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?

I've attended a couple of national conferences, and went to a number of seminars at the National Archives when I lived in DC. I'm currently enrolled in the NGS American Genealogy home study course. Eventually I plan to do the Boston University program as well.

How did you get hooked on genealogy?

When I moved to Milwaukee at age 21, I didn't know a soul, and I had no roots here. An elderly cousin wrote and said that my great-great-great grandparents had settled in Wisconsin, and were buried an hour or so north of where I lived. I called a local historical society looking for help finding their graves, and the woman who called back said, "You know, we have a whole file on them. You should come up and see it." I did, and discovered a treasure trove of information, including the original will of my great-great-great grandmother. She had loaned money to her eldest son (the one I'm descended from), and he hadn't paid her back. She spelled out her displeasure in her will, and took it out of his inheritance...with interest. I was hooked.

What is your day job?

At-home mom to a 3-year-old and 5-year-old

How long have you been chasing ancestors?

Since 1993 (with a long break in the 2000s).

What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?

Wisconsin and Minnesota research. I've lived in Milwaukee for a while now, but most of my family is from Minnesota.

Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups

Longtime member of NGS, APG, the MInnesota Historical Society and the Wisconsin Historical Society. I tend to join smaller, local societies when I'm researching folks in a particular area.

What are the lands of your ancestors?

Norway, Germany, and Great Britain

What Family Names are you Researching?

Scheiber, Holthusen, a bunch of Norwegian patronyms that are pretty much useless for surname lists, and some British names so common I can't bear to type them in. Lately, I'm also obsessed with a collateral line of a collateral line of a collateral line of Leiendecker folks from St. Louis, Missouri.

Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?

Frederick Scheiber (1843-1913). He lived in Milwaukee his whole adult life, and had a fascinating career as an attorney, politician, and public servant. He left me a fantastic paper trail, and made me feel I had roots in Milwaukee when I settled here to marry a cheesehead. Fred also carefully spelled out which of his grandkids would get each of his books in his will. That's a dude after my own heart.

What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?

Bergen, Norway (although I'd actually like to see all of Norway...such a beautiful country).

What is your favourite resource for genealogy?

Ancestry. I know it's dull, but I remember the days when you had to leave your house to do even a tiny bit of research, and with two small children in tow, I couldn't do any research at all if it weren't for Ancestry. For on-site research, the Minnesota Historical Society library is the happiest place on earth. They have an amazing collection, they have enough microfilm readers even on busy days, and the cafeteria is fantastic.

Once in a while the kids let me alone long enough to have a shower. Mostly, though, I'm either working, doing genealogy, or actively engaged in descendant-care for all of the hours I'm awake. I plan to develop some hobbies or interests in 2019 or so.

What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy? Reading

What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?

"Giants in the Earth" by O.E. Rolvaag

What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?

Is being a little mouthy a philosophy? If so, I'm there.
I like Yoda too. "Do or do not. There is no try." That's good stuff right there.

About Me

I also blog as Geniaus - an ancient Australian ancestor hunter who was formerly a librarian, teacher and IT specialist. Fascinated by Web2.0 applications I spend every spare moment chasing ancestors and connecting with other genealogists.